Modular container

ABSTRACT

A modular container stores and/or displays various objects, such as, for example, cut flowers. The container comprises a body portion having a convoluted outer wall with alternating lobes and recesses spaced around the perimeter. The lobes and recesses are configured so that two or more of the containers may be interconnected. Various container configurations and accessories may be provided to create a wide variety of useful and decorative container arrangements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to the field of containers and, moreparticularly, to modular interlocking containers.

2. Background

Containers of all shapes and sizes are used in homes and offices todisplay and/or store various items. For one example, cut flowers arecommonly displayed for both their visual beauty and pleasing aroma.Flowers are typically displayed in vases or other containers that areprimarily utilitarian. Furthermore, the size of the vase places aconstraint on the size of the floral display. Vases and other specialpurpose containers are also used to hold items such as desk accessories,bathroom accessories, etc. Even such special purpose containers usuallyhave a fixed capacity. A need, therefore, exists for a modular containerthat can be arranged in groupings of various capacities and that has aunique decorative appearance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a modular container for various objects,such as, for example, cut flowers. In one embodiment, the containercomprises a generally cylindrical body portion having a convoluted outerwall with alternating lobes and recesses spaced around the perimeter.The lobes and recesses are configured so that two or more of thecontainers may be interconnected. In other embodiments, the containermay have a rectangular or wedge shaped body portion. Various containerconfigurations and accessories may be provided to create a wide varietyof useful and decorative container arrangements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view showing a number of interconnected containers.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a container in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 5A, 5B show a container in accordance with still anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a container in accordance with yet another embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 7A, 7B show a lighting accessory for use with the containers ofthe present invention.

FIG. 8 shows an audio accessory for use with containers of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 shows a connector accessory for use with containers of thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 shows another connector accessory for use with containers of thepresent invention.

FIG. 11 shows a wall bracket accessory for use with containers of thepresent invention.

FIG. 12 shows a bookend accessory for use with containers of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 shows an accessory for connecting containers of the presentinvention so that one appears to “float” above another.

FIG. 14 shows a lid accessory for use with containers of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 shows a candleholder accessory for use with containers of thepresent invention.

FIG. 16 shows an accessory for locking together adjacent containers ofthe present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of one embodiment of containers havinggenerally rectangular body portions.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of containers havinggenerally rectangular body portions.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of containers having generally rectangularbody portions combined with a container having generally cylindricalbody portion.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an embodiment of containers havinggenerally wedge-shaped body portions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and notlimitation, specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will beapparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may bepracticed in other embodiments that depart from these specific details.In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known methods anddevices are omitted so as to not obscure the description of the presentinvention with unnecessary detail.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container 10 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. Container 10 has a generallycylindrical body portion 12. The convoluted outer wall of the bodyportion has alternating lobes 14 and recesses 16 spaced around theperimeter. The body portion is hollow and open at the top. The bottom ofthe body portion is sealed with a base portion 18. The base portion maybe formed as an integral part of container 10 or may be a separatecomponent attached to the body portion 12.

In one embodiment, the body portion 12 may be fabricated as an extrusionof aluminum or other suitable material. The outer wall may be plated,anodized or painted in a variety of colors and finishes. The bodyportion may also be fabricated of glass or plastic to create transparentor translucent containers.

FIG. 2 shows how a plurality of containers 10 may be interconnected forlarger displays. Recesses 16 are configured to receive a lobe 14 of anadjacent container. The lobes and recesses are dimensioned withsufficient clearance for adjacent containers to be easily slid togetherlongitudinally. However, the lobes are captured within the recesses sothat the containers will not separate laterally. In the illustratedembodiment, the lobes and recesses have a generally circularcross-section; however, other interlocking geometries could be employed,if desired.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of container 10 showing base portion 18.This provides a base for supporting the container and also seals thebottom of the container so that it may be filled with water to maintainthe freshness of cut flowers. As mentioned above, base portion 18 may beformed as an integral part of container 10 or may be a separatecomponent in sealing engagement with the bottom of the body portion 12.In the latter case, base portion 18 may be made of an elastomericmaterial to fit within the bottom opening of the body portion. Asuitable adhesive may be used to further ensure a watertight seal.

Base portion 18 may include a plurality of raised feet 20 to providemore stable support of the container on uneven surfaces. A drain 22 maybe incorporated into the base portion so that liquid contents of thecontainer may be conveniently drained without having to invert thecontainer. The drain 22 may be a simple stopper inserted into anaperture in the base portion. To better protect against leakage, thedrain may comprise a valve fitting, such as a quarter-turn valve. Forease of manual operation, the valve may be configured with a knurledcircumference or may have a groove so that it may be operated with acoin or other suitable implement.

FIG. 4 shows a container 30 according to another embodiment of thepresent invention. In this embodiment, the top and bottom of bodyportion 32 are cut at an angle so that the container sits on a slant fora different decorative effect. Base portion 38 is configured with anextension 39 to prevent the container from tipping over. Additionalcontainers may be connected to container 30 in the manner describedabove. The base portions of such additional containers would not requirea supporting extension.

FIGS. 5A, 5B show a container 40 according to still another embodimentof the present invention. In this embodiment, the top of body portion 42is cut at an angle as in the previously described embodiment; however,the bottom is cut perpendicular to the body portion. A plurality ofcontainers may be arranged with stepped heights as shown in FIG. 5A orwith a continuously sloping top surface as shown in FIG. 5B.

FIG. 6 shows a container 45 according to yet another embodiment of thepresent invention. This embodiment is similar to the one just described;however, the top of body portion 47 is chamfered, i.e., the tops of allof the lobes 49 slope downwardly from the central opening.

The containers of the present invention may be used to store and/ordisplay a wide variety of objects. The particular example of cut flowershas already been mentioned, but this has been used merely to describeone of the many uses of the invention. Among the many other uses for thecontainers, they may be employed as candleholders. The containers mayalso be used with utilitarian items, such as pens, pencils and otherdesk accessories and supplies. As another example, the containers may beused to hold toothbrushes and other bathroom accessories and supplies.Larger versions of the container may be used to store and display largeritems, such as umbrellas.

The containers of the present invention may be marketed as emptycontainers or may be packaged with items specially designed to be storedand/or displayed therein. For example, a container may be marketed withdesk accessories specially configured to fit within the interiors of thelobes of the container. Such a “desk set” could be further packaged withcontainers and related accessories for use as bookends, paperweights,etc.

Various accessories may be utilized with the containers of the presentinvention to expand their utility and decorative versatility. Someexamples of such accessories are described below.

FIGS. 7A, 7B illustrate an accessory lighting module 50 for use with thecontainers described above. The body 58 of the module is configured tofit within one of the lobes of a container. One or more batteries (notshown) are housed within body 58. A plurality of stalks 52, each tippedwith a light source 54, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), extendfrom the module. The stalks may be bent into any desired configurationto direct light wherever desired, such as at portions of a floraldisplay placed in the container. A switch 56 is provided to turn lightsources 54 on and off and, optionally, to adjust the intensity of thelight sources. Instead of a mechanical switch, a magnetically actuatedHall-effect switch may be used.

Various lighting effects may be implemented in the accessory lightingmodule. For example, multi-color LEDs may be used to provide light ofany desired hue. The plurality of stalks 52 may be replaced with asingle translucent rod, which may be illuminated from below to provide a“pillar” of light.

FIG. 8 illustrates an accessory sound module 60 for use with thecontainers described above. The sound module is configured to fit withina lobe of a container and comprises a battery housing 62 and a speaker64. The sound module also includes a digital memory and sound processorcircuitry (not shown) within the battery housing for generating asoundtrack appropriate for items displayed in or around the container.In the case of a floral display, the soundtrack may comprise, forexample, recorded sounds of chirping birds, flowing water, etc.

FIG. 9 illustrates an accessory that can be used to connect a pair ofcontainers of the above-described embodiments at a greater distance thanby interlocking the lobes and recesses of the containers. Connector 70comprises a bridge portion 72 connecting a pair of lobes 74 that areconfigured to fit within the recesses of the containers. Connector 70may have the same finish as the containers or may have a contrastingfinish. In the latter case, at least the bridge portion 72 may be formedof or decorated to resemble wood, stone, leather or glass to provide apleasing contrast with containers having a metallic or painted finish.

FIG. 10 illustrates another connector accessory 80. In this case, thebridge portion 82 of the connector is configured as a picture frame forholding a photograph or small work of art.

FIG. 11 illustrates a wall bracket accessory 90. The bracket has a lobeportion 92 configured to fit within a recess of a container. A lip 94 onthe bottom of the lobe supports the container on the bracket. Thebracket may be attached to a wall or other vertical surface byconventional means.

FIG. 12 illustrates a bookend accessory 100, which comprises a thin flatplate 102 and a post 104. The post is configured to fit within a recessof a container. Plate 102 rests under the books adjacent to the bookendand, by the weight of the books thereon, holds the bookend in place.

FIG. 13 illustrates an accessory for connecting a pair of adjacentcontainers so that one appears to “float” above the other. A support110, which may be simply a length of acrylic rod, is inserted into arecess of container 112. A lobe of a second container is then insertedinto the same recess so that the bottom of the second container rests ontop of support 110. The second container thus appears to “float” abovecontainer 112. This effect is enhanced by making support 110 from atransparent material.

FIG. 14 illustrates an accessory cover or lid 120 for a container 122.The lid may be made of an elastomeric material similar to or the same asthat used to make the base portion of the container. Alternatively, thelid may be made of a rigid material, such as porcelain, wood, etc., fora more decorative effect. A tab portion 121 may be provided to assist inremoving the lid from the container. It will be appreciated that similarlids may be provided for each of the alternative container shapesdescribed below.

FIG. 15 illustrates a candleholder accessory 130, which is similar tothe lid 120 described above, but which includes a holder 132 to receivea candle. Holder 132 may be sized appropriately for a taper, votive orpillar candle.

FIG. 16 illustrates an accessory 140 for locking together adjacentcontainers 142 and 144. In order for the containers to fit together withrelative ease, it is necessary to have clearance between thecorresponding lobes and recesses. Consequently, adjacent containers maybecome accidentally separated if they are lifted off of a table or othersupporting surface. If a number of containers are connected in anarrangement, it may be desirable to lock them together. Accessory 140 isa plug made of an elastomeric material that is dimensioned to fit snuglywithin a recess of a container 142 and to also bear against a lobe of anadjacent container 144 so that the containers are locked together by theresiliency of the plug. Once a pair of connecting containers have beenarranged as desired, plug 140 may be inserted to lock the containerstogether. For a more secure arrangement, plugs may be inserted from boththe top and bottom. Furthermore, four such plugs may be used with a pairof containers (at the top and bottom on both sides of the coupled lobesand recesses) for an even more secure arrangement.

The various accessories described above may be utilized in variouscombinations. For example, a container may be used with both a bookendaccessory and a lighting accessory so that the lighting accessory may beused to illuminate the books retained by the bookend. In a similarfashion, a pair of containers may be used with a picture frame connectoraccessory and a lighting accessory, whereby a photograph within theframe may be illuminated by the lighting accessory. Furthermore, a soundaccessory could be used to provide sounds associated with the subject ofthe photograph.

For marketing purposes, containers of the present invention may be soldin sets comprising containers of the same or different lengths and thesame or different finishes. Such sets may also include one or moreaccessory modules for lighting or sound effects as described above.

The above-described containers all have a generally cylindrical bodyportion; however, other embodiments of the invention may use differentinterconnecting shapes. FIG. 17 illustrates containers 150 that havegenerally rectangular body portions. The outside perimeters ofcontainers 150 have vertically oriented interconnecting lobes andrecesses similar to those of the cylindrical containers.

FIG. 18 illustrates containers 160 that also have generally rectangularbody portion, but that have horizontally oriented interconnecting lobesand recesses.

FIG. 19 illustrates how containers of different shapes, here bothcylindrical and rectangular, may be combined in an arrangement.

FIG. 20 illustrates containers 170 that have a generally wedge orpie-shaped body portion. As shown, each of the containers is configuredas a one-eighth sector of a circle so that eight such containers may beinterconnected to form a complete circle.

It will be recognized that the above-described invention may be embodiedin other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essentialcharacteristics of the disclosure. Thus, it is understood that theinvention is not to be limited by the foregoing illustrative details,but rather is to be defined by the appended claims.

1. A container comprising: a body portion having a top, a bottom and a convoluted outer wall with alternating lobes and recesses spaced around the perimeter, the recesses configured to receive and interlockingly engage a lobe of an adjacent container; a base portion disposed at the bottom of the body portion.
 2. The container of claim 1 wherein the body portion comprises an extruded length of material.
 3. The container of claim 1 wherein the base portion is formed of an elastomeric material.
 4. The container of claim 1 wherein the bottom of the body portion defines a plane perpendicular to an axis of the body portion.
 5. The container of claim 1 wherein the bottom of the body portion defines a plane at an acute angle to an axis of the body portion.
 6. The container of claim 1 wherein the top of the body portion defines a plane at an acute angle to an axis of the body portion.
 7. The container of claim 1 wherein the top of the body portion is chamfered.
 8. The container of claim 1 wherein the base portion includes a means for draining liquid contents of the container.
 9. The container of claim 1 further comprising a lighting module configured to fit within a lobe of the body portion.
 10. The container of claim 9 wherein the lighting module comprises a power source, a light source and a switch electrically coupled between the power source and light source.
 11. The container of claim 10 wherein the lighting module further comprises means for varying an intensity of the light source.
 12. The container of claim 1 further comprising a sound module configured to fit within a lobe of the body portion.
 13. The container of claim 1 further comprising a connector accessory comprising a bridge portion and a pair of lobe portions, each of the lobe portions disposed at opposing ends of the bridge portion, each of the lobe portions configured to fit within recesses of the container.
 14. The container of claim 13 wherein the bridge portion comprises a picture frame.
 15. The container of claim 1 further comprising a bracket accessory comprising a mounting portion for attachment to a surface and a lobe portion configured to fit within a recess of the container.
 16. The container of claim 1 further comprising a bookend accessory comprising a generally thin, flat base portion and a lobe portion configured to fit within a recess of the container.
 17. The container of claim 1 wherein the body portion is generally cylindrical.
 18. The container of claim 1 wherein the body portion is generally rectangular.
 19. The container of claim 1 wherein the body portion is generally wedge-shaped.
 20. The container of claim 1 further comprising a lid portion releaseably engaging the top of the body portion.
 21. The container of claim 1 wherein the base portion is a separate component from the body portion and is in sealing engagement with the bottom of the body portion.
 22. A set of at least two containers, each of the containers comprising: a body portion having a convoluted outer wall with alternating lobes and recesses spaced around the perimeter, the recesses configured to receive and interlockingly engage a lobe of another container of the set; a base portion disposed at a bottom of the body portion.
 23. The set of claim 22 wherein the containers are of at least two different lengths.
 24. The set of claim 22 further comprising a lighting module configured to fit within a lobe of the body portion.
 25. The set of claim 22 further comprising a sound module configured to fit within a lobe of the body portion.
 26. The set of claim 21 further comprising a connector accessory comprising a bridge portion and a pair of lobe portions, each of the lobe portions disposed at opposing ends of the bridge portion, each of the lobe portions configured to fit within recesses of the containers.
 27. The set of claim 26 wherein the bridge portion comprises a picture frame.
 28. The set of claim 22 wherein the body portion of at least one of the containers is generally cylindrical.
 29. The set of claim 22 wherein the body portion of at least one of the containers is generally rectangular.
 30. The set of claim 22 wherein the body portion of at least one of the containers is generally wedge-shaped.
 31. The set of claim 22 further comprising a support dimensioned to fit within a recess of a first container and support a lobe of a second adjacent container such that the second container is elevated above the first container.
 32. The set of claim 22 further comprising a plug dimensioned to fit within a recess of a first container and bear against a lobe of a second adjacent container, thereby resisting longitudinal separation of the first and second containers.
 33. The set of claim 22 wherein the base portion of at least one of the containers is a separate component from the body portion and is in sealing engagement with the bottom of the body portion. 